…as Guyana observes World Day Against TIP

REPRESENTATIVES from the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, last Monday, released blue balloons at the Seawall in recognition of survivors and victims of human trafficking, as the Ministry of Social Protection’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit (C-TIPU) launched its week of activities in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Day which is commemorated annually on July 30.

Prior to the balloons’ release, the team observed a moment of silence in solace with survivors and victims of trafficking in persons globally. This year’s theme is “Embracing Diversity, Reducing Vulnerabilities, Promoting Safe Migration.”

Victims of human trafficking are exploited and their basic human rights violated. The common forms prevalent in Guyana are forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude,” stated Tanisha Williams – Corbin, Coordinator of C-TIP.

Between January and July 2020, the C-TIP Unit received twenty-two (22) reported cases of suspected trafficking of which eight were confirmed as cases of trafficking in persons. A total of forty-three (43) victims of human trafficking were identified and assisted by the Unit; eight males and thirty-five 35 females, all non-nationals.
Williams-Corbin also noted that the public plays a critical role in assisting to eradicate this societal problem, adding that the C-TIPU will continue to develop and disseminate educational materials to the generate awareness and educate the populace about the scourge of human trafficking.

“It is important to engage the community as victims often do not self-identify. Most of them never come forward to the authorities. We encourage you to report any suspicious activities to the 24-hour hotline numbers 227-4083 or 623-5030. Your calls are treated with the strictest confidentiality,” she said